Review: Erasure at Bedgebury Pinetum near Goudhurst, Saturday, June 11

by Neill Barston

When you've the kind of enviable hit-packed back catalogue that Erasure have at their disposal, returning to the stage after a touring break of several years is not a daunting prospect.

So it's little wonder that as Andy Bell strides on stage to warm applause in sparkly red jacket and equally flamboyant shoes to match, there's an air of confidence about the synth-pop duo.

While other acts of their era have plumped rather predictably for a slot on the retro comeback circuit, they've wisely steered clear of such potentially career-ending follies.

Instead there's promise of a new album and an airing of a new track amid a host of classics gems from the 80s.

There are calls from the Bedgebury audience for Andy to "give us some opera" in reference to the frontman's present appearance on ITV's Popstar to Operastar.

But there's only one thing on the agenda tonight for the crowd of families and original fans, who've witnessed a decent set from warm up act Sophie-Ellis Bextor.

That thing is pop - Total Pop to be precise - as they belt out their 'best of' set with plenty of panache.

By his own admission, Andy, now in his late 40s understandably can't quite reach the very highest notes of yesteryear.

But there's no doubting he's on fine form and still has plenty of soul to his impressive vocals.

Meanwhile, a beanie-hat favouring Vince, as ever, is content to noodle away calmly behind his synthesisers as the fans show their appreciation by dancing the night away the hits which still sound credible two decades on.

Heavenly Action, Victim of Love, Oh L'Amour, Love To Hate You and Sometimes have been slowed in tempo a little, yet are still classic pop gold.

It;s clear the pair are enjoying something that's far removed from the club scene of their youth.

New track Save Me hints at a potentially more soul-infused direction for the duo, who have been throwing themselves in to solo projects in recent years with Vince living with his family in America.

There is little doubting there's still plenty of affection for them on their home shores and most certainly in Kent.

By the time they bring out closing tracks A Little Respect and Stop, it doesn't seem like there's a soul not shimmying their socks off.

It's great to have them back once again.